Speed to Burn: Who can close the gap on Chris Williams?

TORONTO — How do you stop Chris Williams? That, if you look back, was the question early in 2016 as the REDBLACKS receiver went off for 493 yards in just three games.

Speed kills and it’s hard to argue that anyone in the Canadian Football League has more to burn than the 5-foot-9, 155-pound burner out of New Mexico State.

On Thursday, when Best in the League continues with one of the most contentious categories — speed — expect to hear Williams’ name often. But that doesn’t mean it’s an open and shut case.

There are plenty of well-known speedsters in the CFL that have given defences nightmares.

Chris Rainey, now a teammate of Williams’ in BC, is one of the league’s biggest weapons both on returns and as a running back for that very reason.

Brandon Banks, the electrifying Ticats return man, has made a living on this side of the border torching cover teams on punt and kickoff returns.

And not to be forgotten, new Ottawa REDBLACK Diontae Spencer ran a 4.27 at his pro day at McNeese State. It’s hard to imagine Trevor Harris not utilizing Spencer’s speed much like he did when Williams played in the nation’s capital.

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Diontae Spencer and his blazing speed are a fitting replacement for Williams in Ottawa (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

Finally, Tevaughn Campbell and Shaq Murray-Lawrence — stars of the CFL Combine with their lightning-fast 40s — also shouldn’t be forgotten.

Most of these are familiar names you’d come to expect in any conversation about the CFL’s fastest players but it wasn’t long ago when that discussion featured entirely different names.

So who are some other speedsters who could burst onto the scene in 2017 that we haven’t heard much about? Three stand out in particular.

Joe Craig’s name is often brought up by those familiar with his skill-set. The second-year Saskatchewan Roughrider is making the transition from receiver to defensive back and should have no issue making that move considering his athleticism.

If Craig ever gets back on offence or debuts as a kick returner this season, whether with the Riders or elsewhere, expect to start hearing his name more.

Another player flying under the radar heading into the new season is DeVier Posey. Posey ran a 4.39 at his pro day at Ohio State and appears to have the inside track on a starting job in camp.

A former NFL third round draft pick, Posey got his feet wet in the CFL last season and has impressed Argos head coach Marc Trestman in camp. He could see action as a receiver and return man for the Boatmen in 2017.

“I think he’s ascended since we saw him at (mini-camp),” said Trestman of Posey. “He loves football, he’s on top of the offence, he’s bright-eyed in meetings. I think he’s going to be a really good teammate.

“I would say we have a long way to go,” cautioned the coach, “But he’s ascending and that’s a good sign.”

DeVier Posey could be in a good spot to show his speed throughout 2017 (Argonauts.ca)

If Posey can build on his role in the Argos’ offence, we could be mentioning his name among the league’s top speedsters at this time next year.

Finally, another relative newcomer who could compete for that title is T.J. Graham. Graham, whose background in track makes him a prime candidate for fastest player, was a third-round NFL draft pick by the Buffalo Bills.

The Alouettes’ receiver has shown promise in his first full CFL training camp with the Alouettes and may have a shot at a starting role, if not now then later on in the season.

Graham’s speed could be utilized by Jacques Chapdelaine’s offence as well as on punt and kick returns along with Stefan Logan.

So can anyone challenge Chris Williams? We’ll find out more pretty soon.

Best in the League polls the league’s top stars on 13 different categories, from most underrated to fastest player. For past episodes and a full schedule, visit CFL.ca/BITL.